Gators linebacker Jon Bostic goes to Chicago in second round

The Bears selected Bostic in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday night. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound Bostic was taken with the 50th overall pick. Bostic is the highest Florida middle linebacker to be drafted since Mike Peterson went 36th overall to Indianapolis in 1999.

The selection was announced at Radio City Music Hall in New York City by former Bears and Gators running back Neal Anderson, UF's third all-time leading rusher.

"It's a franchise with a lot of history," Bostic said. "They have a great tradition of linebackers. I'm glad where I am and excited. I got a good feel for the coaches when I went up there for a visit."

Bostic was the first of two UF players chosen on Friday. Tight end Jordan Reed went to the Washington Redskins in the third round with the 85th pick.

Bostic made 32 career starts for the Gators. This past season, Bostic recorded 68 tackles with three sacks and two interceptions.

"Last offseason, we sat down with Jon and told him the things he needed to work on," Florida coach Will Muschamp said. "He really attacked those things. His hard work has paid off now and we wish him the best."

Bostic will try to help the Bears replace Urlacher, who spent 12 years with Chicago and made eight Pro Bowls. The Bears allowed Urlacher to become a free agent following last season and have shown little interest in re-signing him.

"We're very pleased we were able to get Jon Bostic," Chicago general manager Phil Emery said. "He's a very dynamic and fast athlete. The reason we like Jon is he's a three-position linebacker."

Bostic's draft stock rose after he ran an impressive 4.61 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Emery also said Bostic's intelligence made him fit the bill and that he would likely begin his Bears career at middle linebacker.

"The more you study tape, the more you fall in love with him," ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said.

Reed, the fourth UF player drafted, caught 45 passes for 559 yards and three touchdowns last season. The 6-foot-2, 236-pound Reed began his career as a quarterback with Florida. Now, he'll be catching passes from Washington phenom Robert Griffin III.

Reed is the highest Florida tight end to be drafted since Ben Troupe went 40th to Tennessee in 2004.

The Gators overall draft class got off to a strong start on Thursday as two players were selected in the first round. Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was taken by Minnesota with the 23rd pick, while safety Matt Elam went to the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens with the final pick of the round (No. 32).

Last year, Florida did not have a player chosen in the first three rounds and only two picked. Defensive tackle Jaye Howard was drafted by Seattle in the fourth round with the 114th pick. Running back Chris Rainey was selected in the fifth round by Pittsburgh.

The Bears have drafted 19 Gators in their history, the second highest total behind Pittsburgh's 24. Chicago selected Oregon offensive lineman Kyle Long with the 20th pick in Thursday's first round.

Hays Carlyon: (904) 359-4377

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